Systems and Methods for a Real Time Configuring, Ordering and Manufacturing Of Color Related Products

ABSTRACT

A unique, user generated product (UGP) configurator, ordering and manufacturing system that utilizes a mobile device or other digital device, to capture a specific color or multiple colors, by way of an image capture converted from a RGB profile and converted into a manufacturable, mixable formula for future mixing and filling in the system specific processing line for enamel product is described. The user defined final product chosen by an individual user, through the system&#39;s user interface that runs on all web enabled digital devices which includes mobile, tablet, computer or other color capture user interface connected to the Internet by way of a browser, where the individual identifies a color, type of material to be manufactured, size of container and then orders a finished goods product on their phone or other digital device, then manufactured or processed on a system specific equipment platform, using a computer controlled system that identifies an individual order by way of a variable and unique bar code identifier, where containers move down a proprietary conveyor line to be filled by a series of individually powered, micro-droplet dispensers whose canisters have been filled with specific colored paints from a system defined palette of colors and additives, where those individual paints are mixed to match the color that the individual specified on the system specific user interface.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of Non-Provisional application Ser.No. 15/620,293, filed Jun. 12, 2017, entitled as “Systems and Methodsfor a Real Time Configuring, Ordering and Manufacturing of Color RelatedProducts”, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/349,604, filed Jun. 13, 2016, entitled as “Systemsand Methods for a Real Time Configuring, Ordering and Manufacturing ofNail Polish Related Products”, which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a high volume, micro batch,rapid prototyping, customized production system that uses digitaldevices to specify component parts of a finished product, in this casenail enamel products.

BACKGROUND

The industrial revolution of the 19th century brought about massproduction: a method of manufacturing standardized products that wasfaster and more efficient than making them by hand. “You can have anycolor you want, as long as it's black.” (Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company,circa 1908) was the level of customization available through thatmanufacturing process. The 21th century has seen a new revolution—theCustomer Revolution—that has created a consumer thirst for customizedproducts with the desired result being mass customization. TheCustomer's or user's desire for personalized user generated products, inthis instance nail polish colors manufactured to their specification, isan important topic of current research.

There are approximately 150 million bottles of nail polish sold everyyear in the US. Those sales represent individual bottles that are filledin mass with the same color. These colors have been prior defined by acreative designer or company associate, with those colors integratedinto groups or lines of product that are marketed in retail andprofessional locations. These pre-defined colors have been formulatedand manufactured in large volume batches; manufactured in large mixingvats of single colors of nail polish, coatings or other paint. Theselarge batches of single colors are then filled into individualpre-labeled bottles in factories using traditional volume manufacturingequipment, systems and techniques.

Other patents have described automated nail polish dispensers. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,064 issued to Julie R Bartholomew,describes about user interactive custom nail polish color and effectsdispensing system and method of doing business, including for both pointof sale and remote transactions. U.S. Pat. No. 2,393,371 issued toHarris Irene describes about Display device for use in determining theshade of fingernail polish. U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,245 issued to Robert SDirksing et al. describes about a method for providing personalizedcosmetics. None of the prior art described above point to a system,which can customize the color of the end product based on an imagecapture.

Hence there is a need for a system which allows a customer to choose alocalized color using their device by way of image capture (cell phone,tablet or computer that has an image capture capability), approve thatcolor on their device screen, order one or more bottles of nail polishby way process to transact business on the Internet, and have thatproduct custom manufactured to their specification and shipped to theirlocation.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a high-speed manufacturing systemfor the physical manufacture of custom colored nail polish integratedinto a user generated, product configurator and transactional softwareplatform is described. Users initiate the system by way of their mobile,tablet or computer device (requires image capture), and by way of theInternet send their customized product order to a database, which takesthat customer supplied information, converts it into a unique productorder and sends it off to other computer systems for that order to beplaced into an production cue, awaiting the physical manufacture of thatindividual unit of custom (colored to customer generated specification),proprietary formulated nail polish.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, a process and system that usesdigital information and rapid prototyping processes, for an individualor group made to order on-demand, personalized, custom nail polish,coating or paint, in single or multiple units is described. Where theindividual color is defined by capturing that specific and individualcolor through a scanning or image capture process using a mobile orother color image capture device or to choose that color from an onlinedatabase of individual colors, and where that individual color ismicro-batch produced, made to order, manufactured and filled at a highspeed, using a proprietary micro droplet color deployment system andthen filled into a single bottle or multiple bottles with colorsspecified by that individual on their mobile device or online, which caninclude a custom label with custom information or naming language,printed and affixed on that particular bottle(s) as part of the systemconveyor line, which further identifies the color or otherpersonal/promotional information that was inputted by an individual orgroup of individuals using the systems digital user interface is unique.

One aspect of the disclosure is the digital user interface orapplication that resides on a digital device (mobile, tablet, computer,laptop or web-enabled camera) and uses and/or initiates the a) camerafunction of the mobile, tablet, computer or other digital or cameradevice or b) image library function of the mobile, tablet, computer orother digital or camera device or storage device which would includeflash or other type of hard drive storage device to input an image orvideo into the user interface application.

Another aspect of the disclosure is the ability to input a still orvideo image into the user interface and permit the user to pick a colorat the pixel level which will become part of the color specification forlater production.

Another aspect of the disclosure is the transfer of color data, chosenand specified by the user to be converted into a mixable formula toproduce a specified, micro batch manufactured and filled finishedproduct.

Another aspect of the disclosure is the ability to customize a name forthe unique user generated and designed product. As part of the userinterface is a unique visual capability to type the name, language orother symbol on a representation of the product, using a keyboard whichis a component part of the digital user interface.

Yet another aspect of the disclosure is to identify each individualfinal product as unique with a variable barcode or other symbolidentifier that is produced at the time of order through the userinterface, where that identifier is included as part of that order, isprinted on the label as part of the equipment platform and is theidentifier that is used as a control/manufacturing key that “tells” theequipment which formula to pull from the manufacturing server for theaccurate micro-droplet dispersion of paint for an accurate finishedproduct result.

A further aspect of the disclosure is a cloud server that accepts theunique color data info distributed from the user interface applicationand converts that color data into a highly accurate manufacturableformula which is then distribute to the active order server to be usedfor quick turn manufacturing.

Another connected aspect of the disclosure is a system specificallydesigned and engineered manufacturing platform for producing thecustomer desired final product in all perfection.

It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introducein simplified form a selection of examples that are further described inthe detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essentialfeatures of any claimed subject matter that may later claim priority tothe present description. Furthermore, the scope of any such claimedsubject matter would not be limited to implementations that solve anydisadvantages noted above or contained herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of a manufacturing system.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the manufacturing system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram that may be implemented by the systemshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A illustrates screen shots of various stages of the userapplication.

FIG. 4B illustrates screen shots of various stages of the userapplication.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart for manufacturing color dependentproducts.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example digital color spectrum.

FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the digital colorspectrum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplaryembodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application isnot limited to the details or methodology set forth in the descriptionor illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that theterminology is for the purpose of description only and should not beregarded as limiting.

Referring generally to the figures, embodiments of the systems andmethods described herein are directed to manufacturing of color relatedproducts. Implementations are directed to a user generated, a colorproduct configurator and a transactional software platform formanufacturing the color product. Implementations are directed totechniques that would allow an electronic device to deliver a user'sorder with user specifications to a manufacturing platform in real time,while simultaneously acknowledging and updating order details to theuser. Embodiments are directed towards providing a real timeconfiguring, ordering and manufacturing of color related products basedon user provided images, portions of images, pixels and etc.

Embodiments of the present disclosure includes a customized, unique,user generated color product (UGCP) configurator, ordering andmanufacturing system that may utilize a mobile device or other digitaldevice, to capture a specific color or multiple colors, by way of animage capture converted from a Red Blue Green (RGB) profile and convertit into a manufacturable, mixable formula for mixing and filling in thesystem specific manufacturing process. The user defined final productmay be chosen by a user through the system's user interface. Thesystem's user interface may be implemented on any web enabled digitaldevices, including but not limited to mobile, tablet, computer or othercolor capture user interface connected to the Internet by way of abrowser. The user identifies a color, type of material to bemanufactured, size of container and then orders a finished goods producton their phone or other digital device, then manufactured or processedon a system specific equipment platform, using a computer controlledsystem that identifies an individual order by way of a variable andunique bar code identifier, where containers are moved on a conveyorline to be filled by a series of individually powered, micro-dropletdispensers whose canisters have been pre-filled with specific coloredpaints from a system defined palette of colors and additives (as opposedto pigments or colorants), where those individual paints are mixed tomatch the color that the user specified on the system specific userinterface.

The system has a digital user interface or application that may belaunched on any mobile device through two mobile operating environmentsor through the Internet. The purpose of the interface is to capture orinput an image, pick a particular color within that image which the userwould like to have a nail polish, paint or coating, cosmetic or colorspecific product manufactured in a customized fashion just for them, forthe user to initiate and complete the order for that product. Cloud orpremise based servers may be configured to receive color and order datafrom the digital user interface and convert color data to amanufacturable formula and to connect order information, includingfinancial information to a third party transactional processor for orderacceptance or denial and to archive that approved order on systemservers connected to equipment platforms and customer associated databases.

As described, the system comprises several components arranged in avarious configuration to maximize efficiency of communication betweenthe components. The system is designed to be scalable according to theneeds and operational capacity of the particular manufacturing facility.The system includes a web-based user generated color product (UGCP)application, which is accessible through a variety of computing devices,including but not limited to such as desktop computers equipped with aweb browser, as well through native mobile applications installed onmobile computing devices such as smartphones and tablets. A cloud-basedinfrastructure comprising a server and UGCP database configured toreceive information from user and user devices via the Internet by wayof cellular networks, wired and wireless routers, and local areanetworks (LANs) of varying size and configuration.

As described, the various implementations interact using various digitalcommunication techniques. The wireless location beacons communicate withproperly equipped mobile devices by way of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)radio transmitters. Mobile devices such as smartphones, notepads, andtablets, communicate with the cloud-based infrastructure by way ofcellular signals and/or wireless local area networks (WLANs). Thecloud-based infrastructure, likewise, sends and receives information toand from user and user devices via the internet by way of cellularnetworks, wired and wireless routers, local area networks (LANs) andWANs of varying size and configuration.

As described herein, how well the various elements comprising the systemcommunicate with other elements depends entirely on such factors asavailable battery power, consistent and quality access to the internetvia cellular networks, LANs, and WANs, and the reliability ofcloud-infrastructure components and other mobile and stationarycomputing devices, and the dependability of web-based and native mobileapplications. For instance, BLE location beacons, though conservative interms of power consumption, are commonly powered using “button”batteries which must be tested and changed periodically. Mobile devicessuch as smartphones and tablets, particularly those belonging topatients, require steady access to cellular data networks. If forwhatever reason a particular mobile device does not function properly oris otherwise disconnected from the cellular network, the device will beunable to communicate with the cloud-based infrastructure. Mobile deviceoperability also largely depends on available battery power, as thesedevices must be recharged from time to time. Stationary computingdevices, such as desktop computers and laptops, depend on steady accessto LANs and WLANs as a means of accessing and the Internet andcommunicating with the cloud-based computing infrastructure. Systemcrashes are also possible, potentially affecting communication betweenthe server, database, and web-based and mobile applications, as allsoftware applications are prone to malfunction.

As described, the components of the present invention interact with oneanother using primarily wireless technology. Examples of such technologyutilized by the present invention include: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)wireless location beacons and medical devices. Utilize short-wavelengthUHF radio waves in the ISM band from 2.4 to 2.485 GHz. Range is powerdependent and customizable, but typical max range is around 100 meters.Wi-Fi transmitters/receivers installed in mobile devices, otherwireless-capable computing devices, and wireless routers. Mainly utilizethe 2.4 gigahertz (12 cm) UHF and 5 gigahertz (6 cm) SHF ISM radiobands. Range is typically around 100 meters, but depends on thefrequency band, radio power output, antenna gain and antenna type aswell as the modulation technique. Line-of-sight is the thumbnail guidebut reflection and refraction can have a significant impact, especiallyindoors.

Mobile Internet connection utilizing a cellular service providersubscription. Utilize frequencies in the UHF radio frequency bandallocated to mobile usage. Range is power dependent and depends largelyon the availability of the subscriber network, device proximity tonetwork nodes, e.g. cell towers, and the particular make and model ofthe device.

The significance of implementing the present invention within the colorproducts industry, therefore, cannot be understated. In order toaccommodate ever-increasing color product demands, the color productindustry is left with little choice but to increase their traditionalmanufacturing and customer delivery process with little room forcustomization, both of which involve considerable investments in termsof time and money. On the other hand, the present invention providescustom manufacturing process to accommodate user specifications forcolor selection by a time and cost effective process

A cheaper and more versatile method of indoor navigation has recentlyemerged taking advantage of 2.4 GHz Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacontechnology. BLE transmissions require relatively little power, and BLEbeacons can survive on a typical watch battery for over a year.Additionally, most all modern smartphones come equipped with anaccelerometer, which is a tiny sensor that is able to detect changes invelocity as well as spatial orientation. Considering the near ubiquityof smartphones, and how nearly all new models of smartphone comeequipped with BLE-compatible radio chips and accelerometers, it makessense that these technologies have already been leveraged to create moreaccurate, and, therefore, more versatile, indoor navigation systems.

As described, the present invention differs from present technology, notin terms of the individual components comprising it, but in terms of theway these various components interact as an integrated whole as means ofproviding a more satisfying and streamlined user experience, all thewhile automating many traditionally manual ordering processes andcollecting and storing valuable information which can then be queriedand analyzed for the purpose of identifying operational inefficiencies.

Referring to FIG. 1, a manufacturing system 100 involved in high-speedmanufacturing system for the physical manufacture of custom coloredproducts is described. Colored products may include, but not limited to,nail polish, paints, enamels, particles for printing, car paint,LaserJet printer ink materials, dyes used for coloring fabrics andcosmetics with various shades of color. The manufacturing system 100includes a cascading module subsystem 110, a thermal printer subsystem120, a color product identifier subsystem 130, and a pumping subsystem140 and a color product verification subsystem 150.

A cascading module subsystem 110, connected to an equipment controlplatform 111 that moves individual bottles or packaging containers tospecific locations on the conveyor unit 112 for the individualdispensing of product colors as incremental parts of the overall usercolor product formula. The conveyor unit 112 moves a bottle or othertype of packaging container through the equipment control platform 111from beginning to end.

At an auto feeding staging input unit 113 of the conveyor unit 112, avolume bottle or other packaging container for containing the dispenseduser color product, is infeed into the cascading module subsystem. Anautomated stainless steel ball feeder 114 to introduce balls to maintainthe separation between a bearing races (not shown in FIG. 1). Thisautomatic ball feeder is a simple and dependable device used to dispenseone ball into the equipment control platform 111, on a given command.The balls can be stored in a stainless-steel hopper (not shown inFIG. 1) and are fed down through a hollow shaft to a cam operatedescapement where the balls are transferred to a discharge tube. The unithas been designed as a building block for automatic ball dispensing forcascading module subsystem 110, but may also be bench mounted as asingle station feeder. A four-way pneumatic valve is required foroperation for directional control. By providing four distinct flowpaths, these valves make it easy to reverse the motion of a cylinder ormotor used in the operation.

At an auto feeding staging output unit 115 of the conveyor unit 112, acap feed track 116, a cap nest 117, a cap pick and place 118, and a captightening area 119 help in securing the bottle or packing containerwith a cap or lid after the filling of the user color product in thebottle or packing container.

The thermal printer subsystem 120, connected to an order server 121prints a user color product naming, generated by a UGCP web basedapplication user interface, a unique order driven barcode or identity122 (not shown in FIG. 1), which represents a user's unique colorproduct. The unique bar code or identity prompts the initiation ofdispensing of an order specific formula that matches a color of the usercolor product of a user's original specification. A thermal printer thatprints unique order specific information on a product label including acustom name or symbol of the user's color product and a unique barcodeor identity used to identify the requirements of a unique bottle orother type of packaging container. A label applicator 123 affixes alabel to a bottle or other type of packaging container, a barcode reader124 (not shown in FIG. 1) scans, images captures or reads the uniquebarcode printed on a unique bottle or other type of package containerused to identify the requirements of a unique bottle or other type ofpackage. The information regarding each and every order including userinformation, user color product specification information is stored inthe order server 120 for further use. The order server 120, a web basedserver mediates the transaction between a user and manufacturing system100.

A color product identifier subsystem 130, including bar code reader orscanner 131 (not shown in FIG. 1) is installed and integrated on theconveyor unit 112, which can scan and capture an image of a colorproduct identifier. The color product identifier includes but notlimited to a 1-dimensional or 2-dimensional barcode or identifiablesymbol used to identify the unique formula properties of an individualbottle or other type of packaging container in accordance with userspecifications. A unique formula to be dispensed into an individualbottle is acquired by the equipment control platform 111 and as thatunique bottle with order specific naming/symbols/barcode travels throughthe conveyor unit 112 an into the cascading module subsystem, acalculated amount of appropriate color material(s) is dispensed into theindividual bottle or other type of packaging container. The informationregarding each and every order including user information, user colorproduct specification information is stored in the order server 120 forfurther use by the color product identifier subsystem 130. The orderserver 121, a web based server mediates the transaction between a userand manufacturing system 100 through the color product identifiersubsystem 130. The barcode reader (or barcode scanner) 131 is anelectronic device that can read and output printed barcodes to acomputer or a web based server 120. It includes a light source, a lensand a light sensor (laser or holographic) translating optical impulsesinto electrical ones. Additionally, barcode readers 131 includes adecoder circuitry analyzing the barcode's image data provided by thesensor and sending the barcode's content to the order server 121 throughan output port.

A pumping subsystem 140, includes an automatic color material dispenser141 (not shown in FIG. 1), controls the amount of color materialdispensed into the individual bottle or other type of packagingcontainer and is integrated into the cascading module subsystem 110. Thefunctioning of the automatic color material dispenser 141 is controlledby the order server 121. The conveyor unit 112 moves the bottles to befilled with user color product to the pumping subsystem, whichcoordinates with color product identifier subsystem 130 and the orderserver 121 to confirm the appropriate color product to dispense based onuser color product specification. This system located above thecascading module subsystem for the linear movement of individualbottles, work together to ensure that, the correct color material andcorrect amount of color material is dispensed in the correct bottle athigh speed to support the volume requirements of the overallmanufacturing and fill system.

A color product verification subsystem 150, includes an image capturedevice 151 (not shown in FIG. 1), connected to the order serveranalyzing three or more different color data sources, the original colordata generated by the user on their mobile, table, computer or otherdevice, the color data from the formula generated from the system, andcolor data of the wet sample that has been dispensed into a bottle orother type of package. The image capture device 151 includes but notlimited to a camera, a sensor, which can compare color variations offinished user color product. The wet finished user color product data isadjusted to take into consideration the wet state of the user colorproduct as opposed to dry or cured. The three sample sets of color dataare compared against each other and using system specific math that usesa system specific variance formula to either approve the finishedproduct or reject the finished user color product. Methods for colorcomparison may include but not limited to Polar Comparison, Percentagecomparison, a linear regression and standard error of regressioncomparison.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system embodiment200 of a manufacturing system 100 involved in high-speed manufacturingsystem for the physical manufacture of custom colored products isdescribed. The dimension features of the example manufacturing system200, which is portable and less space consuming, are described asfollows. The exemplary embodiment 200 includes an example cascadingmodule subsystem 210, example thermal printer subsystem 220, an examplecolor product identifier subsystem 230, and an example pumping subsystem240 and an example product verification subsystem 250. The examplecascading module subsystem 210 has dimensions of length, breadth andheight ranging between 40-45 inches, 35-45 inches and 8-12 inches. Theexample thermal printer subsystem 220 has dimensions of length, breadthand height ranging between 40-45 inches, 35-45 inches and 8-12 inches.The example color product identifier subsystem 230 has dimensions oflength, breadth and height ranging between 40-45 inches, 35-45 inchesand 8-12 inches. The example pumping subsystem 240 has dimensions oflength, breadth and height ranging between 40-45 inches, 35-45 inchesand 8-12 inches. The example product verification subsystem 250 hasdimensions of length, breadth and height ranging between 70-45 inches,35-45 inches and 8-12 inches. The example manufacturing system 200 canbe installed in any convenient facility which may include but notlimited, stores and vendor locations.

Referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 illustrates an example flow diagram 300 forthe system involved in high-speed manufacturing system for the physicalmanufacture of one or more custom colored products. The flow diagram 300includes the components, a web based user generated color product (UGCP)application 310, a color formula generation server 320, a premiseequipment control server 330, automated equipment platform 340,transactional server 350, archival server 360 and central cloud orpremise order server 370.

A web based user generated color product (UGCP) application 310 that hasbeen downloaded onto a mobile device 320. In other embodiments, the UGCPapplication 310 can be downloaded on a tablet device, computer or systemuser interface that can be connected to directly on the web. Theapplication or user interface is an interactive specification andordering system for the user generated customization of a color product,including but not limited to nail polish, paints, coatings, cosmetics orother products, where color is a key specification element of thefinished product. The application can be used to register and create apersonal or business account, post images on social media sites, as wellas to capture an image with the camera feature, stretch or zoom in onthat image to specify a color on a pixel by pixel basis, accept thatcolor as the color of specified choice or return to the image capture orcolor selection screen to redo that specification process, create a namefor that unique user generated and customized product, order thatproduct as well as other product of the cart feature included in thedigital segment of the system and invention, as well as receive textmessages, view video as both marketing and order specific statusinformation on the unique and specific order. The user on theapplication and web user interface or site, can also receive points forpurchases to be used later for loyalty driven gifts or rewards, usepromo codes to receive discounts or reward other entities for thepurpose of socially impactful revenue share and included in theapplication is the ability to gamify all aspects of the transaction anduser interface experience. This represents elements of the application,but does not represent every type of user or system benefit.

A color formula generation server 320 that includes a database structuredesigned specifically to accept unique color data from a user definedcolor choice, generated on the system mobile application or webinterface that has been downloaded to a mobile, tablet or other devicethat can capture an image, or through the web interface on a mobile,tablet, computer or other interactive device connected to the internetthrough a browser that can also capture an image. The color data isreceived by the system specific cloud or premise based server, which hasbeen designed and developed to convert digital color data received andconvert that data in a manufactural formula that utilizes a systemspecific palette of colors. The formula system has been developed to beable to analyze color data and generate formulas for all 16.7 milliondigital colors noted in the color spectrum. The system is not limited tothose 16.7 million digital colors noted in the color spectrum and hasthe ability to add other types of paint, coating, nail polish or othereffects and materials and create additive formula results that areintegrated into the system creating another 100+ million color finishoptions.

The system includes a server premise equipment control server 330 thatis connected to both the equipment platform and other system servers ina network, where formula data is converted to machine language tointeract with system equipment be able to identify unique bottle and/orother packaging, by reading unique bottle and other packaging and orderbarcodes and move that bottle and/or other unique packaging by way ofinfeed and outbound conveyors through the manufacturing and fillplatform dispensing specific and unique order and single bottle and/orother packaging color materials, color by color to complete a singularor multiple task-set.

The system includes an automated equipment platform 340 that includesthe following component parts; a conveyor unit that takes a bottle orother type of packaging container through the equipment system frombeginning to end, an infeed conveyor that includes a volume bottle orother packaging auto feed staging unit, an automated stainless steelball feeder, a thermal printer that prints unique order specificinformation on a product label including the custom name or symbol ofthe product and a unique variable barcode used to identify therequirements of a unique bottle or other type of packaging, a labelapplicator that affixes a label to a bottle or other type of packaging,a barcode reader that scans, image captures or reads the unique barcodeprinted on a unique bottle or other type of package used to identify therequirements of a unique bottle or other type of package, a cascadinglinear pump system that dispenses color material into a unique bottle orother type of packaging based on the product specific formulas andinstruction controlled by a series of connected servers, a camera orimage capture device that captures color data from the finished productthat has been dispensed into a unique bottle or other type of packaging,connected to a server for the specific quality analysis of a finishedproduct, a device that installs a cap, lid or other closure element, adevice that shakes the finished product to ensure that the various colormaterials have been combined to a specified finished product state, anout-feed conveyor system that moves finished bottles or other types ofpackaging in various directions based on size of order, acceptance ofquality of an individual finished bottle or other type of packaging, orthe creation of separation to ensure that line associates can easilypick and place bottles or other types of packaging for shipping, a shiplabel printer that matches the shipping label to the product associatedwith that label for optimized coordination of products prior toshipment.

The system is connected to a transactional server 350, which processestransactional data such as the number of units, price per unit, shippingand billing information and credit card information used to an order isprocessed for approval and archival storage of certain types ofinformation. If an order is approved or not approved, that transactionalanswer is noted by the system and the order is moved forward into thesystems active order server and then into an order cue.

The system also includes an archival server 360 to store individual userinformation, user color product specification, finished orderinformation, formula information and other user specific information ina user order(s) hierarchy. The archival server assists in prompting theuser of previous orders and order specifications pertaining to colorproducts. The archival server is connected to a cloud shipment network365 for fulfilling and delivering shipment orders to user locations.

The system also includes a central cloud or premise order Server 370.This server is connected the web based user generated color product(UGCP) application 310, a color formula generation server 320, a premiseequipment control server 330, the automated equipment platform 340, thetransactional server 350, the archival server 360 and moves requiredinformation back and forth to keep order information current andaccurate according to the user color product specifications.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrates a mobile andweb application system 400A and 400B respectively for user generatedcolor product (UGCP) application, including various screen sets or auser interfaces to take a user through the activities associated withthe user segment of the process for manufacturing user customized colorproducts. The main six image screens to in the user interface processflow include, but not limited to, an open application image screen 410,an activities image screen which includes a new order choice, a trendchoice and a previous order choice 420, take a picture image screen 430,user chosen color image screen 440, confirm user color image screen 450and custom name and order a user color product image screen 460. Basedupon the choice selected by the user, a defined path exists to take theuser from initiation to completion of the ordering process based uponthe path chosen by the user.

At image screen 410, an open application image screen, the UGCPapplication is opened on a user's electronic device, which displays themessage “The perfect color for by you” prompting the user to select acolor for their color product order. At this stage, the central cloud orpremise order Server 370 keeps track of that a new order is beinginitiated and sets its server to take the user through the differentsteps of the process of ordering a color product.

At image screen 420, an activities image screen, the user is givenoption for making a new order by snap and match procedure or by browsingthrough a list of color product orders from others and to choose aparticular color from them or to quickly reorder a previously orderedcolor product from the user. At this stage, the central cloud or premiseorder Server 370 keeps a count of previous orders by the same user andprovides options based on the user's interest scope.

Also, included in the screen set is the take a picture image screen 430,which opens the camera tool included in all supported electronicdevices, the ability to take a picture or open a picture from a userdefined image library or an ability to pull an image from a video clip.At this stage, the central cloud or premise order Server 370 saves thenewly taken image by the user to user specific image library with aunique image code for future retrieval.

Once a user decides upon an image of interest to be used having the userdesired color, a user chosen color image screen 440 is opened where, theuser can enlarge the image or move or manipulate the image with theirfinger, a pencil, a stylus or other device or element that can interfacesuccessfully with a touch screen, to pick a color until a user desiredcolor is available for selecting. At this stage, the central cloud orpremise order Server 370 records the unique color selected by the userand saves it in user specific database.

At confirm user color image screen 450 the user gets an opportunity toconfirm the color of choice with more detailed definition including butnot limited to an intense, just right or subtle shades of the selectedcolor. The color chosen is a made up of a single pixel that is convertedinto a side to side color swatch, giving the user a scaled method inwhich to choose and approve a color. The following screen is aconfirmation screen, where 2 or more swatches are presented that givethe user adjusted color choices, this has been done based upon differentcamera tool capture quality capabilities, ambient light at the time ofimage capture and other elements that might affect the quality of theimage capture. At this stage, the central cloud or premise order Server370 records the unique color in its Red Green Blue (RGB) Format, whichwould be necessary for converting to a digital color data formanufacturing the required color product.

Once the user confirms the target and specified color, custom name andorder a user color product image screen 460 is opened and the user cancustomize the name of the product using an interactive typing keyboardwhere the letters are typed on a digital product packaging image. Uponcompletion and approval of the naming capability the user moves to acheckout cart screen to purchase their product. Once the order andpurchase of a color product is initiated by a user, data is moved tovarious servers in support of the manufacturing system as describedabove. At this stage, the central cloud or premise order Server 370records the order for the user and sets time line for delivery of thefinished color product to the user according to the user color productspecifications.

Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 illustrates a sample flow diagram 500 for amethod of manufacturing one or more color dependent products. At step510 the user may download and install a web-based application 310 ondevice 320. In other embodiments, the application may be a localapplication that does not require any Internet interaction. In step 510,a server computer may receive device identification information fromregarding device 310. Additionally, at step 510 the server computer maydownload device related color and pixel modification information from adatabase or device manufacturer resource.

In some embodiments, at step 520, the device 320 may capture an imagefrom an image input device (e.g., camera, CMOS based camera, one or morecameras). Prior to step 520, the user may have captured in image or theuser may open the downloaded application from step 510 to capture theimage. At step 520, capturing an image includes using an electroniccircuit to gather color information and storing the color information inthe memory of the device 310 or storing the image in a cloud basedstorage repository.

In various embodiments, at step 530, the device 320 with the downloadedapplication may prompt the user to select a color for the production ofthe color dependent. The device 310 is configured to receiver user inputby various methods, including touch, stylus, keyboard or mouse. In someembodiment, the user may magnify a portion of the image and use touchinput to select one or more pixels on the screen. The application allowsthe user to isolate a particular area of the image. The color chosen isa made up of a single pixel that is converted into a side to side colorswatch, giving the user a scaled method in which to choose and approve acolor.

Next at step 540, the pixel data is received by the downloadedapplication on the device 310, in RGB format (0-255, 0-255, 0-255). Insome embodiments, the pixel data is processed by a remotely locatedserver computer and then stored in RGB format on the device 310.

Next at step 550, the color dependent product is named with a productname by a digital tool. In a preferred embodiment, the digital tooloffers the user to chosen from a list of favorite names or create a newcustomer and unique name for the color product which is converted to abarcode or unique label for conveying specific product information tothe manufacturing facility through the central cloud order server 470.

Next at step 560, the color pixel data is converted to a manufacturalformula for the color dependent product and the information is conveyedto the manufacturing facility, as to the mixing proportions of basiccolor materials for attaining the user generated unique colorspecification.

Finally, at step 570, the central cloud order server 470 communicates tothe manufacturing facility with the user specification for one or morecolor products with their unique bar codes and the color dependentproduct is manufactured by a custom process.

Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 illustrates a digital color spectrum 600.The ability to convert digital color data to a mixable, manufacturableformula, uses a math structure that has created a large sample set ofmix formulas database based on a RGB color model that have a unique andconsistent positioning within the entire digital color spectrum, whichis supported by a standard in the mobile and smart phone, mobile device,computer and image capture industry. A RGB color model is an additivecolor model in which red, green and blue light are added together invarious ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. The name of the modelcomes from the initials of the three additive primary colors, red, greenand blue. The main purpose of the RGB color model is for the sensing,representation and display of images in electronic devices and systems.As the RGB color model is based on human perception of colors, it is adevice-dependent color model: different devices detect or reproduce agiven RGB value differently, since the color elements (such as phosphorsor dyes) and their response to the individual R, G and B levels varyfrom manufacturer to manufacturer, or even in the same device over time.Thus, a precise color management is a necessary step to make sure theRGB value define the same color across devices.

Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view 700 of aportion of the digital color spectrum. A unique color specified by auser for a color product manufacturing is mapped on to a preexistingdatabase of mix formulas to arrive at a specific mix formula of the RGBcolors to attain the user desired color specification. A method tomeasure the distance between points of color in the color spectrum, witha complimentary and aligned set of formulas that are represented on thatsame position in the color spectrum is described. A mathematical methodcan connect the color data points and their respective formulas that areconnected to a point of color in the color spectrum, which exist betweentwo, three and four points of color that have known formulas representedon that same position in the color spectrum. For example, if a shade ofgreenish yellow is chosen by a user as a user desired color formanufacturing by the method a described above as illustrated in FIG. 7,a mix formula can be achieved by manipulating the known mix formula forthe points 710, 720, 730 and 740 circumferencing the user desired colorshade of greenish yellow as shown in FIG. 7.

Color data RGB Color Known Mix S. N point Data Point formula 1. 710 (x1,y1, z1) (M11, M12, M13) 2. 720 (x2, y2, z2) (M21, M22, M23) 3. 730 (x3,y3, z3) (M31, M32, M33) 4. 740 (x4, y4, z4) (M41, M42, M43)

By varying the RGB color proportions for the known mix formulas based onhue, saturation and intensity relationship described below, the mixformula for the user desired color can be achieved to match accuratelyto the user desired color specification.

$I = \frac{R + G + B}{3}$$S = {1 - {\frac{3}{\left( {R + G + B} \right)}{\min \left( {R,G,B} \right)}}}$$H = {\cos^{- 1}\left( \frac{\frac{1}{2}\left( {\left( {R - G} \right) + \left( {R - B} \right)} \right)}{\left( {R - G} \right)^{2} + {\left( {R - B} \right)\left( {G - B} \right)}} \right)}^{\frac{1}{2}}$

This analysis of color data that is user chosen and generated in thedigital application and web segment of the invention, and the ability totake any point of color in the spectrum and convert that color to amixable and manufacturable formula is part of the system and invention.

Methods for color comparison at the color product verification subsystemmay include but not limited to polar comparison, Percentage comparisonand regression analysis: In case of polar comparison with polarcoordinates, a pixel's location is given by magnitude and angle. Thecolor image shows pixel magnitude (or image A or image B intensity) asintensity. Polar angle is shown as hue. With positive valued images,pixel angle is between 0 and 90 degrees. Pixel angles are mapped to anycontinuous swatch of a color wheel where R=0, G=120, B=240 degrees. Incase of percentage comparison: p=100*(B intensity)/(A intensity+Bintensity) may be used to specify hue. With polar and percentagecomparisons methods the mapping is isomorphic, all information in thetwo gray scale images is retained in the color image. Color Comparisonalso generates a histogram of pixel pair angles (0 to degrees) orpercentages (0 to 100%) sorted into a user specified number of bins. Incase of a linear regression and standard error of regression arecalculated predicting Finished color product color and the initial userspecified color by comparing their pixel intensities. The hue of eachpixel in the color image expresses the residual, the difference betweenthe finished product color and initial user specified color intensitydivided by the standard error of regression gives a quality check foraccuracy of the finished product in comparison to the user specifiedcolor. Based on the deviation from the user's original specification afinished product is accepted or rejected in a quality assuranceanalysis.

In an exemplary embodiment, below is described an ability to design andname a user's nail polish of the present invention but are by no meansintended to limit the scope thereof. A user who has registered anddownloaded the hybrid application and installed that application ontheir mobile devise, in this example an iPhone, opens the applicationand is presented with three choice; to initiate a new order, to ordercolors that others have defined and trendy or order a color from aprevious order. Example: user chooses to initiate a new order and ispresented with an image capture or camera application that the systemapplication has opened. The user takes a picture and accepts that image.The image does not have to be in focus, because the application usescolor only for ordering purposes. The user is presented with theirchosen image and that image can be stretched or zoomed to further definethe area of the image that contains the desired color.

The user taps their finger or by using a digital pencil a color pixel ischosen and presented as a possible color. If the user would like tospecify a different color they are returned to the image, if the initialcolor is acceptable, the user is presented on a different screen thetarget color and two other colors that the system has chosen that are a)a bit subtle and b) a bit more intense. This is done do to the variablesbetween different phones, tablets, or other devices used which could beattributed to age, software version and dirt on the lens, there are alsovariances due to ambient light and general quality of the captured orused image. The user can either pick one of the three images or canreturn to the camera/image capture section of the application to beginthe process again.

The next section of the application is naming section. A bottle of theproduct is presented that shows an example of the chosen color and theability to customize the name of that product. If the user clicks on the“customize name” portion of the bottle a keyboard is presented and theuser can type a name or use symbols included in the keyboard set topersonalize their polish. As the user is typing, they see each letter orsymbol presented on the bottle in the same area of the label as theactual product. They system includes a “foul language” dictionary—anyword that considered to be foul or offensive, various letters areremoved and replaced with symbols to further add to productcustomization. When completed the user accepts and moves to the ordersection of the application.

The user completes the appropriate and required information and theorder is submitted for approval to a third party transactionalverification system. Upon approval data from the order is sent to systemservers for color data formula conversion and order activation.

The color server accepts and converts color data provided by the userand based upon the color data associated with the system developedpalette of colors and the formula structure developed in the system, thecolor data provided by the user is converted to a manufacturing formulaand sent to system servers to be integrated into the user's order storedinto the systems active order server.

Some data included in the complete user's order is converted to machinelanguage and pulled by the software control application included in theequipment platform. The “pull” is initiated by the scan of the variableand unique barcode printed on the label at the beginning of theequipment line.

The order is fulfilled based on the user's unique order information,staged for delivery and delivered to the user.

In another exemplary embodiment, below is described an ability tospecify a paint color on your mobile phone, order that paint and pick upthat paint at a participating retailer or facility within the hour. Auser who has registered and downloaded the hybrid application andinstalled that application on their mobile devise, in this example aniPhone, opens the application and is presented with three choice; toinitiate a new order, to order colors that others have defined andtrendy or order a color from a previous order. Example: user chooses toinitiate a new order and is presented with an image capture or cameraapplication that the system application has opened. The user takes apicture and accepts that image. The image does not have to be in focus,because the application uses color only for ordering purposes. The useris presented with their chosen image and that image can be stretched orzoomed to further define the area of the image that contains the desiredcolor.

The user taps their finger or by using a digital pencil a color pixel ischosen and presented as a possible color. If the user would like tospecify a different color they are returned to the image, if the initialcolor is acceptable, the user is presented on a different screen thetarget color and two other colors that the system has chosen that are a)subtler and b) more intense. This is done do to the variables betweendifferent phones, tablets, or other devices used which could beattributed to age, software version and dirt on the lens, there are alsovariances due to ambient light and general quality of the captured orused image.

The user can either pick one of the three images or can return to thecamera/image capture section of the application to begin the processagain.

The user in this example approves and picks a color and completes theirorder with the retailer of choice. The order is paid for by way of atransactional interface included in the application and managed by theretailer. The specified color is sent to the system color dataconversion server where the color data is converted to a mix formulabased on the palette of colors included in the retailer's equipmentplatform, the volume of paint to be manufactured.

The formula is sent to a specific retailer location by electronic meansand is integrated into the retailer's POS system and the facility basedpaint dispersion equipment platform by way of an API.

The paint is manufactured to specification and a completion text oremail is sent to the user. The completion text or email includes apick-up time and other pertinent information supplied by the retailer.The user visits the retail location and picks up their order.

The numerous advantages offered by the above described invention overprior systems are (i) System integrated custom labeling equipment thattakes user generated naming or symbol based language and prints thatinformation on a label that has been pre-printed with branding, productvolume and general required product specific information. (ii) Acircular and/or liner conveyor module that moves bottles, containers andother types of packaging forward along the material dispersion cycle.The cycle moves bottles, containers and other types of packaging intofixed positions so that individually colored product can be dispensedinto those bottles, containers and other types of packaging. (iii) Aseries of individual cassettes that contain individual material colorsto be dispensed as part of a unique user generated color formula. Eachcassette is connected to an individual peristaltic, piston, gear,time/pressure, pipette or other type pump to dispense or disperse microor Pico liters of material through a micro dispensing actuator. (iv) Adigital camera or image capture device used to analyze the color of thefinished product whereas that captured color is converted into digitaldata and compared to the original color data captured by the user and tothe color data associated with the unique order based formula, andfurther analyzed for quality purposes using a system specific algorithmdeveloped to compare digital color data within acceptable productquality tolerances and ranges. (v) A separating conveyor to separateorders by type, size and as well as the user defined, custom name ornaming language or system generated tracking number that is includedwith the archival data associated with the order. The completed bottleof nail polish, coating or paint or other product is then placed intopackaging and shipped to an individual, group or location. (vi) Thepersonalized manufacturing system can color mix from an individual'spersonalized nail polish, coatings or paint to an extremely accuratespecification with specific color materials optimized for the systemthat have been formulated to minimize variances in viscosity, colordensity, flow and product performance.

The invention can provide a personal, on-demand, customer experience forthe purchase of micro batched produced products namely nail polish,paints, coatings, cosmetics and other products where color is a keyspecification component. Deliver customized and personalized highquality products to customers (consumers, nail solon, retailers, others)in 72 hours at a competitive and cost effective price.

In a preferred embodiment, for nail enamel based color products,cosmetic-grade pure pigments and shimmering effects can be blended intothe nail enamel for a custom finish. Also, fluorescent additives can beblended together to create a rainbow of colors, and the additive effectsgive different levels of shimmer and sparkle to choose from. User canselect pure pigment colors in different hues to produce various pigmenteffects to re-create designer nail fashions or play with additives tomake user's own signature hues.

In another preferred embodiment, for paints and varnish based colorproducts, a user can select the ingredients for a final product curingby thermosetting or thermoplastic mechanisms. Also pigments, fillers andadditives, can be introduced in the manufacturing process to modifysurface tension, improve flow properties, improve the finishedappearance, increase wet edge, improve pigment stability, impartantifreeze properties, control foaming, control skinning, etc. Othertypes of additives include catalysts, thickeners, stabilizers,emulsifiers, texturizers, adhesion promoters, UV stabilizers, flatteners(de-glossing agents), biocides to fight bacterial growth, and the like.These additives normally do not significantly alter the percentages ofindividual components in a formulation. Various technologies exist formaking paints that change color. Thermochromic paints and coatingscontain materials that change conformation when heat is applied orremoved, and so they change color. Color-changing paints can also bemade by adding halochrome additives or other organic pigments in theabove described manufacturing process. Electrochromic paints changecolor in response to an applied electric current. Electrochromic paintscan be applied to plastic substrates as well, using a different coatingchemistry. The technology involves using special dye additives thatchange conformation when an electric current is applied across the filmitself.

The construction and arrangement of the systems and methods as shown inthe various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only afew embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, manymodifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ofparameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.). For example, the position of elements may bereversed or otherwise varied and the nature or number of discreteelements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent disclosure. The order or sequence of any process or method stepsmay be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplaryembodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and programproducts on any machine-readable media for accomplishing variousoperations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implementedusing existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computerprocessor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or anotherpurpose, or by a hardwired system, or a printer circuit board.Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include programproducts comprising machine readable media for carrying or havingmachine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Suchmachine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a general purpose or special purpose computer or another machine witha processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can compriseRAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magneticdisk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other mediumwhich can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form ofmachine-executable instructions or data structures and which can beaccessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or anothermachine with a processor. When information is transferred, or providedover a network or another communications connection (either hardwired,wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, themachine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium.Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine readable medium.Combinations of the above are also included within the scope ofmachine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, forexample, instructions and data which cause a general-purpose computer,special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines toperform a certain function or group of functions.

Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, theorder of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also, two or moresteps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Suchvariation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and ondesigner choice. All such variations are within the scope of thedisclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplishedwith standard programming techniques with rule based logic and otherlogic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps,comparison steps and decision steps.

1. A method for manufacturing color dependent products, the methodcomprising: capturing an image by a camera device on an electronicdevice; displaying the image on a display of the electronic device;receiving a selection, from a user, of an area of the image that isbeing displayed on the electronic device; determining a color pixeldata, based on the area, to be later manufactured into a color product;generating an image of a manufactured color product based on the colorpixel data; displaying the image of the manufactured color product onthe display of the electronic device; converting the color pixel data toa manufacturable formula for the color product; and custom manufacturingthe color product based on the manufacturable formula.
 2. The method asdescribed in claim 1, further comprising distributing and storing ofcustomer data, the manufacturable formula and order data for active andarchival use.
 3. The method as described in claim 1, further comprisingcommunicating acknowledgement, acceptance or denial of an order to acustomer through the electronic device.
 4. The method as described inclaim 1, further comprising accepting user information including creditcard information through secure means to process a payment for thecustom manufacturing.
 5. The method as described in claim 1, furthercomprising sending of responsive text messages and email messages to theelectronic device that contain a status of the custom manufacturing tocustomers.
 6. The method as described in claim 1, further comprisingdisplaying one or more additional selectable colors, based on one ormore elements that affect a quality of the capturing of the image, thatare adjustable by the user.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one ormore elements comprise ambient light at a time of the capturing of theimage.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising naming the colorproduct with a product name by a digital tool; and wherein namingfurther comprises creating a unique label, based on the color pixeldata, for conveying product information to a manufacturing facility. 9.The method of claim 1, further comprising approving the color productbased on a comparison of a color of a finished color product to thecolor pixel data.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the color of thecolor product is adjusted based on a comparison of colors of thefinished color product in wet, dry, and cured states.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: receiving a selection of an additive fromthe user; and integrating the additive into the manufacturable formula.12. The method of claim 11, wherein the additive comprises at least oneof: a cosmetic-grade pure pigment, a shimmering effect, and afluorescent additive.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the additivecomprises at least one of: a catalyst, a thickener, a stabilizer, anemulsifier, a texturizer, an adhesion promoter, a UV stabilizer, aflattener, and a biocide.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein theadditive causes the color product to change color in responsive toenvironmental stimuli; and wherein the additive is at least one of: athermochromic paint or an electrochromic paint.
 15. The method of claim1, further comprising transmitting the color pixel data to a server. 16.The method of claim 15, further comprising transmitting, by the server,the color pixel data to be displayed on one or more electronic devices.17. A system for manufacturing a color dependent product, the systemcomprising: an application on an electronic device configured to causethe electronic device to: capture an image by a camera on the electronicdevice; display the image on a display of the electronic device; receivea selection, from a user, of an area of the image that is beingdisplayed on the electronic device; determine a color pixel data, basedon the area, to be later manufactured into a color product; generate animage of a manufactured color product based on the color pixel data;display the image of the manufactured color product on the display onthe electronic device; and convert the color pixel data to amanufacturable formula for the color product; a tool to custommanufacture the color product based on the manufacturable formula. 18.The system of claim 17, the application on the electronic device furtherconfigured to transmit the color pixel data to a server.
 19. The systemof claim 18, wherein the server is configured to transmit the colorpixel data to a display of one or more electronic devices.
 20. Thesystem of claim 17, further comprising an image capture device that isconfigured to: compare color variations of a finished color product inwet, dry, and cured states with the color pixel data; and approve thefinished color product based on the comparison.